PAD (Perform as Designed) Arc Fitness (Arc) deliver personal training, group training, nutrition coaching, and open gym services right to your home or work doorstep with their customized mobile gym. Arc Fitness specializes in programs for women, while PAD works with men.
Founder and owner, John Khanjian tailors all workouts to the client. "We provide conditioning, functional strength workouts, powerlifting, calisthenics, and body weight movements. I try to fill all the modality buckets. We have clients of all ages, most of whom are in their 40s and 50s, and a couple of clients in their 70s!"
All workouts are performed in the mobile gym; when the weather is conducive, they can also take it outdoors. The gym is equipped with customized gym flooring, a squat rack, barbells, plates, dumbbells, kettlebells, and bands—over 2,000 pounds of weights. John also provides cardio equipment such as rowers, air bikes, and skiers.
An alumnus of Don Bosco and Marist College, John always had a passion for fitness, but his career followed a winding path through the years, including working at Don Bosco as a major gifts officer and youth minister. Eventually, he landed in the fitness world.
"I started working at CrossFit and Life Time but also had my own trailer and equipment. During the pandemic, when the other gyms were closed, my business took off because people were looking to maintain their fitness. When Life Time reopened and invited me back, I had built my business so much, I didn't return. And here we are!"
PAD/ARC's bulk of work is one-on-one training, but John also provides small group workouts, company plans, and athletic team services. He also trains the Mahwah and Oakland Fire Departments.
John firmly believes in the importance of a man's role in the family unit. "Society tells us we should always strive to be comfortable," he says. "But that's not real life. Sometimes, you must deny your own comfort to better someone else's life. Men need to learn to take care of their families, go to work, and provide for them. I felt called to use the fitness coaching as a vehicle to plant seeds and mentor other guys."
“Throughout my own fitness journey, I learned to develop a level of discipline and mental toughness. I realized that when I was pushing through something painful or uncomfortable in a workout, there was a parallel to real life. There are times in life that are hard or challenging. When you learn the discipline of working out, you also learn the discipline to do what's best for your family."
John is a volunteer mentor for Don Bosco students in an entrepreneurial leadership program. "I am by no means an expert, and I have much to learn myself, but I think it's important for the students to know that if you want to start a business, make sure it's something you like. You'll only have the fortitude and discipline to do all the work if you genuinely enjoy it."
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"There are times in life that are hard or challenging. When you learn the discipline of working out, you also learn the discipline to do what's best for your family."
